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Call for e-infrastructure resources 2020.2
Published: Wed, 17/06/2020 - 10:11
Author: Marius Linge
Author: Marius Linge
Do you need computing or storage resources?
Sigma2 provides e-infrastructure resources to meet the needs of researchers from all areas of science. The resources are made available through application procedures in order to support the best Norwegian research.
Applications are evaluated by a Resource Allocation Committee (RFK) and resources are allocated for a 6-month period.
Resources for testing purposes are available outside calls. Applications for advanced user support, NIRD Toolkit and small-scale exploratory work are accepted continuously.
Timeline 2020.2
Application deadline
Applications arriving after this particular date will be case-handeled after the allocation period has started, 1 Oct.
RFK working group meeting, Day 1
Prior to the RFK-meeting, a working group, whose members have good knowledge of the characteristics and status of the resources and of the (existing) projects that use the e-infrastructure, meets. The aim of the working group is to support the RFK in the technical evaluation of the proposals.
RFK working group meeting, Day 2
Prior to the RFK-meeting, a working group, whose members have good knowledge of the characteristics and status of the resources and of the (existing) projects that use the e-infrastructure, meets. The aim of the working group is to support the RFK in the technical evaluation of the proposals.
RFK strategy seminar
Before the allocation meeting, RFK meets to discuss policies and guidelines for the resource allocation.
RFK allocation meeting
The RFK evaluates proposals based on scientific merit and the evaluation of science of the research activity and documented needs.
Allocation letters available
Sigma2 effectuates all allocations after the RFK meeting.
Project leaders will receive an e-mail announcing that the allocation letters are available on metacenter.no.
Start of allocation period 2020.2
COMPUTING (HPC) and STORAGE applications
This category provides access to computing and storage facilities, as well as software, with a far greater capacity than is normally available at department and faculty levels.
Applicants must either hold a permanent position or be a postdoctoral fellow or temporary employed researcher at his/her organization. Master students, PhD students and guest researchers cannot apply directly, but must arrange this via a superior.
The work to be carried out must meet requirements for scientific quality. All applications will be evaluated on scientific merit and granted by the RFK.
For more information, please refer to these pages:
Technical user documentation
Data storage service
Performance evaluation of large HPC applications
From period 2020.2, projects spending 1M CPU hours or more on a single application will be asked to submit an ARM Performance Report (APR).
SERVICES FOR SENSITIVE DATA applications
This category offers a platform to store, compute and analyse on research sensitive data in compliance with Norwegian regulations regarding individuals’ privac.
Research projects may apply for TSD through this call if the project needs HPC compute resources or 10 TB or more storage capacity.
TSD is developed and operated by UiO in partnership with UNINETT Sigma2, and is a part of the national infrastructure. Projects that are granted resources in TSD through this call, will have to register for access to TSD through the standard TSD application
Who can apply?
Individuals and groups from the following Norwegian organizations can apply for access to the resources in the national e-infrastructure:
- Norwegian universities and university colleges
- Governmental Research Centers
- Entities or projects financed by the Ministry of Education and Research or the Research Council of Norway
- Norwegian hospitals
- Industrial parties who contribute to the funding of the e-infrastructure
Furthermore, to apply for Sigma2 resources you have to fulfill the criteria for applicants for the type of allocation in question.
Written agreements may be established with Sigma2 for other usage of the resources. Organizations that do not fall in the above categories but would like to have access, should contact Sigma2.
How to apply?
Sigma2 provides an online application tool service for researchers using the national e-infrastructure resources. Previous applications are available for reuse in the application tool.
The online application form and status of existing allocations is available on the Metacenter Administrative System (MAS).
Guide on how to apply for resources
When is the deadline?
The deadline for applying for HPC, Storage and TSD allocations for period 2020.2 is 24 August 2020.
Applications for SSEW, NIRD Toolkit and Advanced User Support can be submitted at any time.
Application evaluation
The decisions of the RFK are governed by the Guidelines for Resource Allocation on the National e-infrastructure. The RFK assigns allocations to projects a few weeks before the start of each allocation period. It is therefore important to submit an application during the regular calls.
Mandatory requirements
A mandatory requirement in the application scheme is to provide the funding sources. This information is essential to justify the continuing operation and development of the national e-infrastructure. It is also a requirement that project leaders report the scientific results of ongoing projects by linking the allocation project ID to their scientific publications in Cristin.
How to report usage through Cristin
User contribution model
HPC, Storage services and TSD services are subject to a User Contribution Model. Cost for the resources will depend on the funding supporting the research project.